First Day - New Pupil - New Teacher
Sorry Dad, you're not allowed to stay here and play with all these toys. Off you go to the office.
September is traditionally a time for new beginnings. Around the country, parents are packing off their children to school with high hopes and shiny new shoes.
It's not that unusual for a parent to have two children starting primary school in the same week. It probably is slightly odd to be in the position I found myself this week - with one child starting his school career as a pupil and another starting hers as a teacher!
I am excited for both of them equally. But, like all parents, slightly nervous for their future too.
The New Teacher
Hannah, aged 22, has just graduated and launched into a career that has grown in significance as governments have recognised the importance of investing early in children's development. She has electronic white boards in her classroom, the children have Netbooks, she can call on a well developed network of specialist support services and is surrounded by experienced and helpful colleagues. Already, though, she is discovering the challenges of raising aspirations and broadening young horizons.
Noah, aged 4, enters a primary school that scores highly in assessments, is managed well and has excellent staff. I am confident he will grow and develop alongside a great bunch of friends. But what will the world look like when he reaches Hannah's age?
It is almost impossible to tell what the next 20 years will bring but I suspect we will look back on this government and realise it delivered a revolution in education provision. The debate over free schools and academies (not to mention tuition fees) was fierce and sometimes painful in the Liberal Democrats. It is not helped by Michael Gove's tendency to play to the most reactionary elements of the Tory gallery. But there is no question that the changes being made (together with the pupil premium) lay the foundations for a very different model of education delivery.
Change is hard. It is especially difficult when you are dealing with institutions which are viewed with great respect and affection. But there is no doubt in my mind that we must focus on achieving the best outcomes for our children and not get hung up on preserving particular structures modes of delivery. Liberal Democrats above all should be willing to make a friend of innovation.
If we get it wrong we could end by increasing divisions in society. If we get it right we really can unlock potential for future generations that has been denied to those in the past.